Most people have received annoying messages from telemarketers. Sometimes they are automated messages. Other times it is an actual person who just will not take “no” for an answer. This is why the National Do Not Call Registry was created. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) created the registry 10 years ago as a response to consumer complaints about telemarketers. The registry allows consumers to put their phone numbers on a no call list that telemarketers are required to abide or they will face fines.

The National Do Not Call Registry was implemented in 2003. Essentially, this requires telemarketers to remove a consumer’s phone number from their calling list within thirty-one (31) days from the date that the consumer registers their telephone number. Further, if a consumer requests a company not to call them, the company must honor that request for five (5) years. Notwithstanding the Do Not Call list, if a solicitor has a consumer’s permission to call, they may do so within the scope of that permission. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) requires telemarketers to comply with the Do Not Call registry.

However, even if you are on the National Do Not Call Registry many consumers still receive automated calls and even unwanted text messages. Telemarketers have even started calling your cell phone. Over the past three years there has been a significant increase in the number of consumer complaints about unwanted “robocalls.” More than 4 billion “cell phone spam” calls went out last year. The FTC believes this is the result of an increase in the use of more sophisticated phone technologies, such as software that allows telemarketers to hide their identity by faking the number that shows up on the consumer’s caller ID. In response, there have been several apps created for smart phones to block cell phone spam.

One such app is called “Privacy Star” for Android phones. This app allows you to easily block numbers. It also has a reverse look up feature that tracks down cell spammers. Two other apps that send unknown numbers straight to your voicemail are “Mr. Number” and “Call Blacklist.” There are not any similar apps for apple devices yet.

The FTC Encourages Innovation to Stop Robocalls

The FTC has even encouraged the creation of these apps. They have sponsored a “Robocall Challenge” that offered a prize to anyone who was able to devise a technological solution that blocks illegal robocalls to cell phones. The prize was awarded to two co-winners who developed a software filter that would reject rouge robocaller numbers and accept acceptable incoming calls. This software could be used as a mobile app or provided as a part of the phone carrier’s service.

If you are receiving automated telemarketing calls it is best to avoid responding to the call at all, even when asked to press a number that claims to remove your number from the company’s call list. The only exception to this is if you are asking a live telemarketer to remove you from the business or charity’s phone list. The best response though is to hang up.

We understand the frustration you may have when dealing with an aggressive debt collector. We have been successfully representing those abused and taken advantage of by debt collectors for years, and have a long list of successful stories to share with you. We offer a FREE CASE REVIEW for you to assess whether we can assist you with your matter. Please do not hesitate to contact us toll free at 1-800-875-3666 if you prefer to talk to a trained professional over the phone instead, or of course, visit our website at http://www.krohnandmoss.com/.